WO1997037293A1

WO1997037293A1 - Modular field computer workstation

Info

Publication number: WO1997037293A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/005168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Frigard; Lonnie J. Helgeson; Robert C. Szymborski; Steven M. Alseth
Original assignee: Fieldworks, Inc.
Priority date: 1996-04-02
Filing date: 1997-03-31
Publication date: 1997-10-09
Also published as: AU2426797A; EP0954775A1; EP0954775A4

Abstract

A modular filed computer workstation includes a technology module (146) removably attached to a housing (42) having multiple openings (72) of module bays for receiving and connecting an array of peripheral devices or modules to the technology module. The computer is designed to function in adverse environmental conditions and to survive high intensity shock and vibration, even while operating. The housing includes a chassis having two integral side flanges (56), two end panels (60, 64), an integral handle (62), and a removable monitor support (54); expansion module docking plates (74); and a removable base plate (50). The surfaces defining the outer periphery of the housing and the display monitor, as well as certain internal sub-systems, are coated with an impact absorbing material (70). The expansion module docking plates include receiving locking, and ejection mechanisms.

Description

MODULAR FIELD COMPUTER WORKSTATION

Background Currently, portable computers are not designed to withstand high intensity shock and vibration, operate in a wide range of temperatures, and operate in a dusty or dirty environment. Clearly, a computer that addresses these problems, among others, is desirable.

Summary The present invention relates to a modular field computer workstation that includes a technology module and monitor removably attached to a housing having multiple openings or module bays for receiving and connecting to an array of peripheral devices or modules to the technology module. The notebook computer is designed to function in adverse environmental conditions and to survive high intensity shock and vibration, even while operating. More specifically, the modular field computer workstation of the present invention includes a technology module coupled to a heat sink, a display monitor, a housing, a control panel, expansion module bays and an array of peripheral devices or expansion modules. The heat sink has a mounting surface and a heat dissipating surface. The technology module is removably attached to the mounting surface of the heat sink. The heat sink is removably connected to the housing such that the technology module is enclosed within the housing and the heat dissipating surface defines a portion of the periphery of modular field computer workstation.

The technology module consists of multiple boards that control the operation of the modular field computer workstation. The technology module is assembled so that each of the boards is readily accessible. This feature allows a user to easily replace a malfunctioning board or easily upgrade a board.

Expansion modules can consist of the following: CD-ROM drives, floppy disk drives, hard drives, battery packs, power supplies, and PCMCIA slots. It should be understood that other devices presently available or which may be developed in the future may be incorporated into an expansion module. All the expansion modules are standardized in terms of configuration, size, and electrical connection ports to fit within a module bay. The housing includes a chassis having two integral side flanges, two end panels, an integral handle, and support structure; a removable monitor support; expansion module docking plates; and a removable base plate. The surfaces defining the outer periphery of the housing and display monitor, as well as certain internal sub-systems, are coated with an impact absorbing material. The base plate and chassis define openings to the interior of the housing and together with the expansion module docking plates define module bays within the interior of the housing. The expansion module docking plates include receiving, locking, and ejection mechanisms. The control panel includes a keyboard, mouse pad, speakers hole plates, and various visual indicators, such as light emitting diodes ("LEDs"). The mouse pad is a touch-pad having a grid area on which a finger or other type of stylus may be moved about to cause the cursor on the monitor to be moved. The touch-pad also has two areas that are connected to two separate dome switches which perform the "click" or "select" function of a conventional mouse. Furthermore, the touch pad has two additional areas that are connected to two additional dome or diaphragm switches which perform the "lock" function. The modular field computer workstation of the present invention also includes an overlay that may be used in conjunction with the mouse pad to provide tactile control of the display monitor's cursor speed, direction and inputs.

In use, the modular field computer workstation is used like any other computer with a keyboard and a mouse. However, the multiple expansion modules provide the user with the ability to quickly and easily expand and customize the notebook computer's capabilities. The expansion modules of the computer workstation of the present invention can be configured to include, for example, multiple battery packs; a CD-ROM and one battery; a hard drive, a floppy disk drive, and a CD-ROM drive; or a combination of modules that includes one or more devices that have not yet been developed.

The expansion modules are designed such that various modules may be received in each of the expansion module bays. Thus, standardization of the expansion modules and the module bays provides the user with the capability to continually and easily configure his workstation to meet his immediate needs. The modular docking plates of the present invention provide a system for suspending the expansion modules to lessen any shock or vibration experienced by the outside surface areas of the housing, as well as locking and ejection mechanisms. The overlay used in conjunction with the mouse pad provides the user with another method for inputting information to the computer. This overlay provides the user with greater tactile control and feedback relative to cursor.

Broadly the inventor includes a computer comprising a housing having at least one module bay for receiving and connecting to an array of peripheral devices, a technology module removably attached to the housing, and an expansion plate.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure la is a left side isometric view of a modular field computer workstation incorporating the improvements of the present invention in its open position. Figure lb is a left side isometric view of a modular field computer workstation incorporating the improvements of the present invention in its closed position.

Figure 2 is a right side elevational view of the modular field computer workstation design of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a left side elevational view of the modular field computer workstation design of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a back elevational view of the modular field computer workstation design of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the modular field computer workstation design of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the modular field computer workstation design of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a bottom plan elevational view of the modular field computer workstation design of Figure 1. Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of a modular field computer workstation incorporating the improvements of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of a modular field computer workstation with the base plate removed. Figure 10 is an isometric view of the chassis of a modular field computer workstation.

Figure 11 is an isometric view of the heat sink with attached technology module of a modular field computer workstation. Figure 12 is a side view of a modular field computer workstation incorporating the improvements of the present invention with the base plate removed showing the electrical connections for the expansion modules.

Figure 12a is an isometric view of an expansion module showing the electrical interface end. Figure 13 is an exploded isometric view of a modular field computer workstation showing generally the computer components inside an optional expansion plate.

Figure 14 is an exploded isometric view of a docking plate with its locking and ejection mechanisms. Figure 15 is an isometric view of a docking plate with the locking mechanism spring removed and elevated above the docking plate.

Figure 16 is a bottom plan view of a docking plate showing an expansion module being inserted into it and the outer shell being in cross sectional view along line 16-16 in Figure 20 and the remainder of the expansion module being shown in outline.

Figure 17 is a bottom plan view of a docking plate showing an expansion module being inserted into it and the outer shell being in cross sectional view along line 16-16 in Figure 20 and the remainder of the expansion module being shown in outline and showing the electrical interface end of the expansion module contacting the ejection mechanism.

Figure 18 is a bottom plan view of a docking plate showing an expansion module being inserted into it and the outer shell being in cross sectional view along line 16-16 in Figure 20 and the remainder of the expansion module being shown in outline, and showing the locking mechanism in its locked position and the ejection mechanism in its loaded position.

Figure 19 is a an isometric view of an expansion module fully inserted into a docking plate showing the locking mechanism in its open position. Figure 20 is a an isometric view of an expansion module fully inserted into a docking plate showing the locking mechanism in its locked position.

Figure 21 is an isometric view of a small docking plate and corresponding expansion module separate from each other and showing the dimensions of certain component.

Figure 22 is an isometric view of a large docking plate and corresponding expansion module separate from each other and showing the dimensions of certain component.

Figure 23 is an isometric view of a tactile pad. Figure 24 is an isometric view of a tactile pad showing a user pressing on the finger control pad.

Figure 25 is a top plan view of the a tactile pad showing certain dimensions of the tactile pad in inches.

Figure 26 is a side view of the a tactile pad showing certain dimensions of the tactile pad in inches.

Figure 27 is a isometric fragmentary view of a modular field computer workstation incorporating the improvements of the present invention and an isometric view of the tactile pad showing where the tactile pad is placed on the mouse pad and the tactile pad's orientation relative the mouse pad. Figure 28 is a block diagram of the technology module and its relationship to the other parts of the modular field computer workstation.

Figure 29 is a detailed block diagram of the of the technology module and its relationship to the other parts of the modular field computer workstation.

Figure 30 is a top plan view of the mouse pad of the present invention. Figure 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 in

Figure 30.

Figure 32 shows the pattern of resistance and conductive material on the flexible printed circuit substrates of the mouse pad of the present invention.

Figure 33 is an isometric view of a modular field computer workstation with an optional expansion plate attached. Detailed Description of the Invention Figures 1-7 show various exterior views of a modular field computer workstation 40 of the present invention. As shown in Figs, la and lb, the modular field computer workstation 40 broadly includes a housing 42, computer components 44, computer control components 45, and a display monitor 47.

As will be evident from the following description of each of these components, the modular field computer workstation 40 (1) is lightweight, but extremely durable; (2) is readily expandable, upgradable, and customizable; (3) can operate and survive high intensity shock and vibration; (4) can operate or be stored within a wide range of temperatures and humidity; and (5) can be used in a dusty or dirty environment. Hous n

With reference to Figs, la, lb, 8, 9, and 10, the housing 42 for the modular field computer workstation 40 will be described. As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the housing 42 includes a chassis 48, base plate 50, expansion module docking stations 52, monitor support 54, and monitor latch 55. The base plate 50 includes a slot 51 to provide access to the technology module's (which will be discussed later) data bus for data bus expansion. When the slot 51 is not used for data bus expansion, the slot 51 is sealed with a removable rubber seal 55 as seen in Figure 7. In another embodiment, the base plate 50 is removed and replaced with an expansion plate 149 (which will be described later). Chassis

As seen in Figures 8 and 10, the chassis 48 includes two side flanges 56, two support posts 58, a front end panel 60, an integral handle 62, a rear end panel 64, an internal ledge 65, and an internal support strut 66 bridging two sides of the internal ledge 65. The internal ledge 65 and the internal support strut 66 provide the structure for (1) supporting the docking plates 74 (which will be described later); and (2) supporting some of the computer control components 45 (which also will be described later). The side flanges 56 extend beyond the rear end panel 64 approximately three- quarters (3/4) of an inch. The housing 42 further includes reinforcing posts 68; one post 68 at each corner where the front end panel 60 or rear end panel 64 connects to a side flange 56. The technology module 146 (which will be described later), which is part of the computer components 44, is attached to the posts 68 adjacent the rear panel 64. In addition to providing a structure for supporting the technology module 146, the posts 68 protect the technology module from lateral impact applied to the modular field computer workstation 40. In the preferred embodiment, the posts 68 are made from a magnesium alloy.

The surfaces defining the outer periphery of the housing 42 are coated with impact absorbing materials 70. In the preferred embodiment, these impact absorbing materials 70 consist of a rubberlike substance called EPDM rubber compounds, and an elastomeric substance called urethane compounds. Module Docking Station

As shown in Figures la and 8, the edges of the side flanges 56, the front end panel 60, the rear end panel 64, support posts 58 of the housing 42, and the base plate 50 define openings to the module bays 72.

As seen in Figures 8 and 9, the preferred embodiment includes two expansion module bay openings on each side of the housing 42 providing access to a total of four expansion module bays 72. Each expansion module bay 72 includes an expansion module docking station 52. As shown in Fig. 9, each expansion module docking station 52 includes a relatively flat docking plate 74 having two integral, parallel rails 76, a locking mechanism 78 and ejection mechanism 80 as seen in Figure 15. The locking mechanism 78 has an open position and locked position as shown in Figures 19 and 20 respectively. The ejection mechanism 80 has an ejection position and loaded position as shown in Figures 17 and 18 respectively.

The docking plates 74 are attached to the internal ledge 65 and the internal support strut 66. The docking plates 74 form the roof of the module bay 72. The rails 76 support an expansion module 148 which is slidably connected to the workstation 40 via the module bay 72. Because the rails 76 of the docking plate 74, which support the expansion module 148, are located in proximity to the roof of the module bay 72, the rails 76 suspend the expansion module 148 above the base 50. In this configuration, the expansion module 148 is not in contact with the base plate 50, which forms the floor of the module bay 72. An advantage of this design is that the expansion module 148 is protected from any impact sustained by the base 50 of the modular field computer workstation 40. In the preferred embodiment there are two different sized expansion module bays 72 that necessarily house two different sized docking plates 74, as seen in Figure 8. Further, each of the two different sized docking plates 74 form two docking stations 52 of the same size in a back- to-back configuration as shown in Figure 9. This configuration allows a user to install four (4) expansion modules into the modular field computer workstation 40. A transformer and three high voltage capacitors are located within a housing 63, located between two of the opposing expansion modules. As shown in Fig. 8, in the preferred embodiment, the modular field computer workstation 40 has a permanently fixed hard drive 61. Thus, in addition to the permanently fixed hard drive 61, the user may install several hard drives in the module bays 72, if he so desires. Ejection Mechanism

With reference to Figs. 9, 14, and 15, the ejection mechanism 80 will be described. In addition to the two integral, parallel rails 76, the docking plate 74 includes a number of apertures, slots and projections to which the ejection mechanism 80 and locking mechanism 78 (which will be described later) are connected and /or controlled. As shown in Figs. 9, 14, and 15, the ejection mechanism 80 is connected to the docking plate 74, which includes an ejection mechanism slot 82 and an ejection spring aperture 84. Continuing to refer to Figures 14 and 15, the ejection mechanism 80 consists of an irregular-shaped ejection tab 132 and an ejection spring 134 connected to the docking plate 74. The ejection tab 132 includes a retainer portion 136; a base portion 138 off-set from, but in a plane parallel to, the plane of the retainer portion 136 and having a spring retainer hole 140; a web portion 142 perpendicular to, and connecting the retainer portion 136 and base portion 138; and a drive portion 144. The ejection tab 132 is slidably connected to the docking plate 74 by the retainer portion 136, the base portion 138 of the ejection tab 132, and the web portion 142 of the tab 132 is held by the base portion 138 and the retainer portion 136 in the slot 82 formed in the docking plate 74. The slot 82 narrows, preventing the ejection tab 132 from sliding past the restriction, but provides an unrestricted environment for the ejection spring 134 to function. One end of the ejection spring 132 passes through the ejection spring aperture 84 of the docking plate 74 and the other end passes through the spring retainer hole 140 in the ejection tab 132. Locking Mechanism

With reference to Figures 9, 14, and 15, the locking mechanism will be described. The improved locking mechanism secures the various interchangeable expansion modules (as will be described later). As shown in Figs. 9, 14, and 15, the locking mechanism is connected to the docking plate 74 which has two bushing slots 86, a locking mechanism spring slot 88, a locking mechanism spring aperture 90, four retaining clips 92 and two latch slots 94. The locking mechanism 78 consists of a transfer bar 96, two latches 98, two bushings 100, two mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets or the like 102, and a locking mechanism spring 104 . The transfer bar 96 includes a finger tab portion 106 and a sliding portion 108. The sliding portion 108 has three slots and a spring aperture 110. One slot is the spring slot 112. One end of the spring slot 112 is adjacent the spring aperture 110. The spring slot 112 provides an unrestricted environment for the locking mechanism spring 104 to function. The longitudinal axis of the spring slot 112 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the sliding portion 108 of the transfer bar 96.

The other two slots are camming slots 114. The longitudinal axis of both camming slots 114 are substantially at 45 degree angles to the longitudinal axis of the sliding bar portion 108 of the transfer bar 96, and are substantially at 90 degree angles to each other as seen by A¹ and A² in Figure 14. The latches 98 are off-set from each other. In the preferred embodiment the off-set from center to center is approximately one and one-half (1 1/2) inches as depicted by d¹. Each latch 98 has a transfer bar portion 116, docking plate portion 118 and a web portion 120. The transfer bar portion 116 and docking plate portion 118 lie in offset, but parallel planes, and the web portion 120 lies in a plane that is perpendicular to the planes of the transfer bar portion 116 and docking plate portion 118, thereby, creating a step-down configuration as viewed from the centerline depicted in Figure 15.

Continuing to refer to Fig. 15, the orientation of each latch 98 on the docking plate 74 will be described. Each latch 98 has a continuous front edge 122, back edge 124, centerline edge 126 and a lateral edge 128 that define their outer periphery. The front edge 122 and back edge 124 are parallel to each other and are perpendicular to the centerline edge 126. The front edge 122 of each latch 98 is shorter than its back edge 124 so that the lateral edge 128 forms an angle relative to the edge of the rail 76 with which it is associated of approximately twenty degrees (20°) as depicted by A³ in Figure 15. Although the angle depicted as A³ in Figure 15 is twenty degrees (20°) in the preferred embodiment, the angle of A³ can have a range of ten degrees (10°) to thirty degrees (30°) inclusive. Each latch 98 has an aperture 130 adjacent its centerline edge 126 for receiving and connecting to a rivet 102. Each rivet 102 is connected at one end to a bushing 100, passes through a camming slot 114, and is connected at the other end to a latch 98. Computer Components

With reference Figs. 28 and 29, the computer components 44 and their relationship to each other and the other parts of the modular field computer workstation 40 will be described. Figure 28 and 29 are block diagrams of the computer components 44 contained within the housing 42 of the modular field computer workstation 40. The computer components 44 include a technology module 146, an array of expansion modules 148 and an expansion plate 149. Currently, expansion modules 148 include a CD-ROM drive, a hard drive, an

AC adapter for both 110V and 220V, PCMCIA card which accepts credit-card sized removable disk drives, FAX /modems, LAN adapters and other such modules.

Figure 28 shows the components of the technology module 146. The technology module 146 comprises a CPU motherboard 200, a video board 212, an interface board for both the I/O interface 206 and the module interface 208, and an I/O connector board 210. The technology module 146 comprises a processor 202 and internal memory 204. The processor 202 can be any processor such as the Motorola Power PC chip or any of the Intel family of processors. In the preferred embodiment, a Pentium processor manufactured by Intel is used. The technology module 146 also has internal memory 204 electrically connected to the processor 202. Preferably, this internal memory 204 consists of single in-line memory modules ("SIMMs"). In the preferred embodiment, the SIMMs has a 72 pin configuration and a one (1) megabyte by thirty two (32) DRAM. The technology module 146 is connected to the video board 212 and the interface board 206. The video board 212 provides the interface for both internal and external display. In the preferred embodiment, the internal display 47 (shown in Fig. la) is a flat screen display. This board 212 provides the user with the capability of connecting an external display. This feature enhances the portability of the modular field computer workstation 40 because it provides the user with the capability of using a display located in a remote site. Thus, the user has the ability to use an accessible, larger display if necessary.

The I/O interface board 210 electrically connects the I/O connectors to the technology module. The I/O connector board 210 is mounted to a portion of the heat sink plate 43. Each of the four boards are stacked using connectors. This design of the technology module provides several advantages: (1) the technology module can be easily removed from the modular computer workstation 40 and replaced with a new technology module 146; (2) the technology module 146 is easily upgradable; and (3) the technology module 146 can operate as a stand-alone computer. Because the technology module 146 can be removed and replaced easily, the user can use technology modules 146 interchangeably depending on the particular application (i.e, a particular application may require a particular processor or a particular operating system loaded on the processor). Second, because of the design of the technology module 146, the user has the capability of upgrading the technology module 146 at the user's convenience. Third, the technology module 146 may be used as a stand-alone computer without the rest of the modular workstation. This compact module may be connected to an external display, a hard drive, and a keyboard and used as a computer. The user then may disconnect the technology module 146 from the modular field computer workstation 40. T e user may then use the technology module 146 as a stand-alone. This type of device is particularly useful for doing maintenance work in the field.

As seen in Figure 11, the technology module 146 is connected to a heat sink 43 with the various boards in a multi-layered, stacked arrangement. The heat sink 43 includes a finned portion 168 and a communications plate 170. The heat sink 43 provides (1) a passive cooling system to cool the processor 202; and (2) a structure for mounting the various components which comprise the technology module 146. The passive cooling system operates on the principle that the hot air inside the modular field computer workstation 40 will flow outside where it is cooler. Thus, this cooling system efficiently dissipates the heat generated by its electronics without using fans or vents that allow air to circulate around the technology module. This cooling system provides several advantages over non-passive cooling systems: (1) this system allows the workstation to be used in dirty, dusty environments where such non-passive systems would draw air from the outside to cool the system, thereby getting dirt particles into the computer; (2) this passive system is basically maintenance free; and (3) the passive system is less expensive than a non-passive system for manufacturing purposes. As described above, the computer components 44 include the technology module 146 and an array of expansion modules 148. As seen in Figures 21 and 22, each expansion module 148 includes an outer shell 150, an expansion module housing 152, a user interface end 154 and electrical interface end 156. The outer shell 150 has a base portion 158, two side portions 160 and two lips 162. The outer shell 150 forms a support structure for suspending the expansion modules 148 from the docking plates 74. Each lip portion 162 has a rectangular shaped notch 164 and terminates approximately three-eighths (3/8) of an inch in front of the electrical interface end 154 where it forms a rounded shoulder 166. Like the latches 98 of the locking mechanism 78, the notches 164 of each outer shell 150 are off-set from each other. In the preferred embodiment the off-set is approximately one and one-half (1 1/2) inches as depicted by d² in Figure 22.

Expansion modules 148 can consist of the following: CD-ROM drives, floppy disk drives, hard drives, battery packs, power supplies, and PCMCIA slots. It should be understood that other devices presently available or which may be developed in the future may be incorporated into an expansion module. All the expansion modules 148 are standardized in terms of configuration, size, and electrical connection ports 501 to fit within a module bay. Since in the preferred embodiment there are two sizes of module bays 72, there are two sizes of expansion modules 148 which are slidably connected to the modular field computer workstation 40. When an expansion module 148 is inserted into a module bay 72, the expansion module 148 is electrically connected to the technology module 146. In order to facilitate communication between the inserted expansion module 148 and the technology module 146, each expansion module 148 contains circuitry that enables the technology module 146 to identify the inserted expansion module 148 and communicate with the inserted expansion module 148.

As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, a connection plate 500 is located within the module bays 72 to facilitate the electrical connection of the expansion modules 148 to the technology module 146. A connection plate holder 510 having a groove (not shown) is attached to the base plate 50. The groove in the connection plate holder 510 receives the connection plate 500. This connection plate holder 510 stabilizes the connection plate 500 when an expansion module is inserted into a module bay 72. Also, a pair of supports 506 extend from the connection plate holder 510 to the docking plate 74. The supports 506 further stabilize the connection plate 500.

Each side of the connection plate 500 includes two connectors 502 adapted to be connected to a expansion module 148. As shown in Fig. 12, the connectors 502 can be juxtaposed next to each other or the connectors 502 can be aligned one on top of the other. The expansion modules 148 when inserted into a module bay 72 may connect to one or both connectors 502. Because the connection plate is electrically connected to the technology module 146, the expansion modules 148, which are connected to the connection plate 500, are connected to the technology module 146. As seen in Figure 13, an expansion plate 149, includes a shallow housing 400 that supports and protects additional computer components 44. The expansion plate housing 400 is defined by an outer edge 402 that has substantially the same dimensions as the outer edge 404 of the base plate 50. The computer components 44 of the expansion plate 149 may include two industry standard application cards 406, 408. Both cards 406 and 408 are electrically connected to the I/O interface of the technology module 146 of the modular field computer workstation 40 by a docking interface connectors 407, 409. It should be understood that this design feature enables the user to incorporate into the expansion plate 149 those industry application cards that meets the user's needs, thereby allowing the user to further customize the modular field computer workstation 40. For example, the computer components 44 of the expansion plate 149 could include an application circuit board 406, and I/O board 408 electrically connected to the application circuit board 406 by a ribbon cable 410. The expansion plate 149 is connected to the modular field computer workstation 40 by removing the base plate 50 and fastening the expansion plate 149 to the modular field computer workstation 40 with fasteners 420. By installing an expansion plate 149, a user is able to expand the capabilities of the workstation 40 by the addition of industry standard application cards. Thus, this expansion plate 149 provides a user with greater flexibility to configure and customize his/her workstation 40. Control Components

With reference to Figures 1, 23-27, and 30-32, the control components 45 will be described. As seen in Figure 1 and 26, the control components 45 include a keyboard 214, and an integral sealed mouse pad 216 that are part of a central control panel 218, and deformable tactile control pad 220.

The keyboard 214 is a sealed keyboard. In the preferred embodiment, a QWERTY keyboard with 85 keys is used. The user may use this keyboard 214 to enter information or otherwise interface with the computer.

The sealed mouse pad 216 includes a touch-pad zone 300 where the application of pressure from the user's finger or from an appropriate stylus can be used to reposition a cursor being viewed on the screen 256. As with any mouse device, after the cursor is positioned relative to an icon or words on the screen 256 dictated by a particular program, a parameter selection (click) can be made by depressing one or the other of the dome switches 302 and 304. Depending upon the application program involved, it is often possible to click and then drag the cursor over the screen 256 and thereby trace out a desired pattern to a continuous line. This may be accomplished by continuing to hold the switch 302 or 304 closed by the continued application of finger pressure thereto but, for convenience, the mouse of the present invention incorporates "lock" switches 306 and 308 which effective maintain the associated "click" switches 302 and 304 in their closed condition, even when no finger pressure is applied. The "lock" function can be released by again depressing the lock dome switch a second time and, in this regard, is not unlike the "shift lock" feature on a typewriter.

A graphics layer 310 which is preferably a polyethylene tetrathalate (PET) film, approximately 7 mils thick, and having a glossy hard coat on the exterior surface thereof to resist scratching and wear is depicted in Figure 30. The lines and demarcations on the graphics layer define a first area or zone 300 having grid markings 314 thereon which, because of its function, is referred to herein as the "cursor moving area" of the touch-pad. In addition, separate areas 302 and 304 are laid out across the top of the zone 300 to mark the location of first and second parameter select switches 302 and 304. Further graphics on the PET cover layer 310 define lock switch locations 306 and 308, each bearing a lock symbol 316 thereon. Extending from the bottom edge of the mouse pad 216 is a tail 318 comprising a flexible printed circuit strip having conductive lines thereon leading to various printed conductive elements contained within the mouse pad 216 structure. The lines or conducts on the tail 318 terminate in a plurality of terminal pads 320 which are intended to mate with a printed circuit edge connector contained on one of the printed circuit boards contained within the housing 42 of the modular field computer workstation 40.

As seen in Figures 31 and 32, the mouse pad 216 includes a relatively rigid baseplate 322 which may be about 20 mils in thickness and made from a polycarbonate plastic. On the undersurface thereof is an adhesive layer 324 useful in attaching the assembly to a surface when a release layer 326 is peeled off to expose the adhesive. Bonded to the upper surface of the base plate 322 by another appropriate adhesive layer 328 is a first flexible printed circuit layer 330. It has a palladium metal coating 332 on its upper surface of a thickness to provide a desired resistance of approximately 350 ohms per square. Spaced from the printed circuit layer 330 by an adhesive layer 334 is a further flexible printed circuit substrate 336 which also has a coating of palladium resistive material on its major surface 338. The coatings on surfaces 332 and 338 are normally maintained out of contact with one another by virtue of the spacer 336. However, when pressure from a finger or a stylus is applied to the graphics layer 310, the two resistive layers are forced into contact with one another and are operative, along with electronic circuitry coupled to the mouse via the terminal pads 320, to produce a voltage signal which varies as a function of the location at which the contact between resistive layers 332 and 338 takes place. This voltage signal is applied to an analog-to-digital converter internal to the housing and thence to the input /output interface circuitry for the microprocessor for causing the cursor to move on the display screen to a location corresponding to the location on the touch-pad area 300 where the area is being pressed.

Figure 32 shows the pattern of metallization on the flex circuit layers 330 and 336. The resistance and conductive elements on these substrate cooperate with one another through the adhesive spacer layer 334 when a finger or stylus pressure is applied to the outer surface of the graphics layer 310. The palladium resistive coating is identified by numeral 331 and covers a majority of the area of the layers 330 and 336. The coating is provided with highly conductive electrode strips along the four edge surfaces thereof. The strip at the top edge is identified by numeral 333 and it has a printed circuit conductor 337 electrically joined to it, the printed conductor 337 leading to a terminal pad area 320 on the tail 318. Likewise, the left side conductive edge strip 339 of the resistive layer 331 has a printed conductor 341 also routed, via the tail 318, to a terminal pad in area 320. The highly conductive strip 342 on the right side edge of the resistive layer and the conductive strip 344 at the bottom thereof are likewise connected to a terminal pad via printed wiring pads.

The parameter selection switch area on the graphics layer is aligned with a conductive metal pattern 346 in Figure 32. Pattern 346 is isolated from the resistive pad 331 and from the metallization 348 associated with the parameter selection switch 304, as illustrated. Likewise, the lock areas have metallization 350 and 352 which are spaced and electrically isolated from the metallization pattern 346 and 348 by narrow strips that are void of metal, as at 354 and 356. Each of the metallized areas 346, 348, 350 and 352 are joined by printed circuit lines appropriately routed on the substrate 330 and over the tail 318 to the terminal area 320.

Those skilled in the art familiar with so-called diaphragm or dome switches will appreciate that when pressure is applied to the graphics layer 310 of the switch, the flexible layer 336 bearing a metallization pattern like that shown in Figure 32 will be made to extend through the gap established by the spacer layer to mate with a corresponding pattern on the rigidly supported substrate 330, causing an indication of a circuit closure between aligned mating elements of the coatings on the two substrates.

As seen in Figures 23-26, the tactile pad 220 includes a thin flat base 224 having a smooth bottom surface and an irregular top surface. The top surface include a pull tab 226, a top mouse button 228, a bottom mouse button 230, a top lock button 232, a bottom lock button 234 and a grid area 236 as indicated by bracket 238. The grid area 236 includes a concave finger control pad 240, arrow-shaped buttons 242 spaced circumferentially around the finger control pad 240, an outer ring 243, an inner ring 244 and four radial lines 246. As seen in Figure 27, the bottom surface of the tactile pad 220 is placed on top of mouse pad 216. A reusable and replaceable fiberglass reinforced pressure sensitive adhesive known as TG-2 manufactured Specialty Tape and Label Company of Cleveland, Ohio, is applied to bottom surface of the tactile 220 to prevent it from sliding off the mouse pad 216 when being used in the preferred embodiment, but any suitable reusable and replaceable adhesive can be used provided it does not leave a residue on the mouse pad 216 when the tactile pad 220 is removed. This type of an overlay used in conjunction with a mouse pad provides tactile direction and feedback when manipulating and tracking the display screen cursor. Display

As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the display panel 46 is hingedly connected to the display monitor support 54. The display monitor support 54 includes two legs 248 and a body 250. The display monitor support 54 is removably connected to the chassis 48 with four fastening devices 252, such as screws. The display monitor support 54 provides the technology module 146 with a portion of its protective shell. The display panel 46 includes a display housing 254 and display screen 256. As shown in Figure 8, the outside edge 260 of the control panel 218 is held within a groove 262 formed in the rubberlike coating of the chassis 48. As shown in Figure 7, the base plate 50 is removably mounted to the chassis 48 by eight (8) fastening devices 264, such as screws. As shown in Figure 8, the technology module 146 and the display monitor support 54 are removably connected to the chassis 48 with two fastening devices 252 that pass through the each leg 248 of the display monitor support 54, through the heat sink 43 and into the chassis 48. A single long fastening device 258 extends through the base plate 50 and up through the middle of the heat sink 43 and into the body 250 of the display monitor support 54 tying the base plate 50, heat sink 43, technology module 146, display monitor support 54 and chassis 48 together. As shown in Fig. 8, in addition to the display 47, the modular field computer workstation 40 has speakers 221 which output sound. Referring to Fig. 8, the control panel 218 has speaker holes 219 under which are located a pair of speakers 221. The speakers 221 are mounted on a board located beneath the control panel 218. The speakers 221 allow the use of applications that require sound. Operation

In use, the modular field computer workstation 40 is used like any other computer with a keyboard 214 and touch pad mouse 216. However, the multiple expansion module bays 72 provide the user with the ability to expand and customize the computer's capabilities. The expansion module bays 72 of the modular field computer workstation 40 of the present invention can be configured to include, for example, multiple battery packs; a CD-ROM and one battery; a hard drive, a floppy disk drive, and a CD-ROM drive; or a combination of modules that includes one or more devices that have not yet been developed.

With reference to Figures 16-20, the insertion and ejection of an expansion module to the computer workstation 40 will be described. As shown in Figures 16- 18, to add an expansion module 148 to the modular field computer workstation 40, the user inserts the expansion module 148 into an expansion module bay 72, electrical interface end 156 first. The rounded shoulders 166 of the expansion module 148 enables the lips 162 of the outer shell 150 to smoothly mate with the docking plate rails 76. As the user pushes the expansion module 148 into the expansion bay 72, one shoulder 166 comes in contact with the latch 98 nearest the expansion module bay opening as depicted in Figure 16. Because the front edge 122 of the latch 98 is shorter than the back edge 124, the lateral edge 128 of the latch 98 provides an inclined surface that, when biased by the shoulder 166 of the outer shell 150, drives the latch 98 towards the centerline of the docking plate 74 as indicated by Arrow Z. The force created by the incoming expansion module 148 is transferred by the latch 98 to the surface of the camming slot 114 by the rivet 102 which is connected both to the latch 98 and a bushing 100. This force drives the transfer bar 96 in the direction of the incoming expansion module 148 as indicated by Arrow Y.

When the lip 162 of the outer shell 150 clears the back edge 124 of the latch 98, the locking mechanism 78 is in its open position, as the transfer bar 96 simultaneously retracts the second latch 98. Whereas the first latch 98 is driven toward the centerline by the force of the incoming expansion module 148, the second latch 98 is pulled towards the centerline by the force imparted by the surface of the second camming slot 114 of the transfer bar 96 to the rivet 102 of the second latch 98. In the open position, the locking mechanism spring 104 exerts a force on the transfer bar 96 in the direction opposite Arrow Z causing the latch 98 at the juncture of the back edge 124 and lateral edge 128 to ride against the lip portion 162 of the outer shell 150 as seen in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 20, when the expansion module 148 is fully seated in the expansion module bay 72, the periphery of the latch slots 94 line up with the periphery of the of the latches 98, allowing the locking mechanism spring 104 to release its energy and thereby pulling the transfer bar 96 in the direction indicated by Arrow X, as depicted in Figure 20. This motion is transferred to the latches 98 by the camming slots 114 and rivets 102. The locking mechanism 78 is now in its locked position as depicted in Figure 18. When the expansion module 148 is nearly seated in the expansion module bay 72 the electrical interface end 156 of its housing 152 engages the ejection tab 132. When the expansion module 148 is fully seated in the expansion module bay 72, the ejection mechanism 80 is in its loaded position as indicated in Figure 18.

To remove an expansion module 148 from an expansion module bay 72, the user applies pressure to the finger tab portion 106 of the transfer bar 96 in the direction of Arrow Y. As the transfer bar 96 moves in the direction indicated by Arrow Y, the surfaces of the camming slots 114 engage the rivets 102 and pull their attached latches 98 toward the centerline until the latches 98 are fully retracted from each notch 164 in the outer shell lips 162 and the locking mechanism 78 is in its open position as indicated in Figure 19. Once the locking mechanism 78 is in its open position as shown in Figure 19, the ejection mechanism spring 134 releases its stored energy and pulls the ejection tab 132 in the direction indicated by Arrow W, thereby pushing the expansion module 148 partially out of the expansion module bay 72. The user may then manually pull the expansion module 148 out of the expansion module bay 72.

The technology module 146 can also be quickly and easily removed by removing only five fastening devices 252, 258. As discussed above, the display monitor support 54 is removably connected to the chassis 48 with five fastening devices 252, 258. Those same four fastening devices 252 also connect the technology module 146 to the chassis 48. As also referenced above, with the removal of one fastening device 258 which extends through the base plate 50, the technology module 146 can then be removed from the housing 42 by pulling it free from its quick release electrical connections to the I/O interface 206 and module interface 208. The tactile pad 220 of the present invention is placed by the user on the mouse pad 216 as depicted in Figure 27. It should be understood that the alignment of the pad and the location of the projections on the pad are dictated by the built-in BIOS software. Pushes and touches on the pad are sensed by the BIOS software as position information. The BIOS software translates this position information into movement information. Each touch or push sensed by the software is translated into one or more packets of movement information. As long as the touch is maintained, movement information packets are generated. The amount of movement and the direction of movement described in these packets are inteφreted from the sensed position of the touch or push relative to the center of the tactile pad 220. In the preferred embodiment, the packets of movement information are formatted in the standard "Microsoft mouse packet" message format which is appropriate for various operating systems and application program driver inputs. The operating system driver software used is the commercially available "Microsoft mouse drivers" software. Using operating system driver software, the grid area 236 controls the direction and speed of the cursor, the mouse buttons 228, 230, 232, 234 control the activation of the cursor when positioned on a desired application, and the lock buttons 232, 234 hold the cursor on a field or application to be moved using the grid area 236.

More specifically, the user pushes down and against the walls of the finger control pad 240 with his or her finger in the direction he or she wants the cursor to move. The more the user moves his or her finger from the center of the finger control pad 240 in the direction he or she wants the cursor to move, the faster the cursor will move in that direction. It should be understood that the cursor can be moved in an arc or circle by the user by rolling his or finger within the concave structure of the finger control pad 240. If the user wants the cursor to move from one location to a far end of the display screen 256, the user can remove his or her finger from the control pad and push on one of the arrows 242. By pressing on an arrow 242, the cursor moves from its preceding location toward the far end of the display screen 256 at a very rapid rate in line with that particular arrow 242. The bottom mouse button 230 is used to "double click" on an application or document to, for example, open the application or document. The top button 228 can be used for the same purpose or it can be programmed to accomplish a special function, such as changing the type font. The bottom lock button 234 allows the user to

"click" on an application or document "locking" it and then manipulate the finger control pad 240 to move the application or document. The top lock button 232 can be used to accomplish the same function, or it too can be programmed to accomplish a specific function, such as cutting and pasting.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has a width of 12.375 inches, length of 12.875 inches, height of 3.65 inches and weighs approximately 10 pounds. The chassis 48 is a one piece die casting of Magnesium alloy (AZ91D) to which a high energy absorbing materials 70 consisting of a rubberlike substance called EPDM rubber compounds, and an elastomeric substance called urethane compounds are co-molded to. All internal sub-systems are also protected from shock and vibration by the same high energy absorbing rubber. The stampings that are used in connection with the chassis 48, docking plate 74, locking mechanism 80 and ejection mechanism 80 are formed from 5052, H32 aluminum, 300 series stainless steel and cold rolled steel. The heat sink 43 is made of extruded 6063 T5 aluminum. The printed circuit boards of the computer components 45 are etched copper over FR4 fiberglass. Although a description of the preferred embodiment has been presented, it is contemplated that various changes, including those mentioned above, could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for use in a computer work station having a computer housing defining multiple openings or module bays for receiving and connecting to an array of peripheral devices or modules, each module including a module housing having an outer surface defining its periphery, and having a computer component contained with the module housing, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a module docking plate having a receiving mechanism including two parallel rails, a locking mechanism, and an ejection mechanism, said module docking plate fixedly attached to the computer housing, and

(b ) a cradle fixedly attached to the outer surface of the module housing, said cradle having two parallel lips outwardly spaced from the outer surface of the module housing, each said lip slidably and removably connected to one said rail.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each said lip includes a latch slot opening, and said locking mechanism includes two latches slidably connected to said docking plate.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said latches are offset from each other.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said locking mechanism further includes a transfer bar having a finger tab portion and a sliding portion, each said latch is movable connected to said transfer bar, and said transfer bar is slidably connected to said docking plate.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said ejection mechanism includes an ejection tab slidably connected to said docking plate.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said ejection mechanism further includes a ejection spring having two ends, one end of said ejection spring is connected to said ejection tab and the other end of said ejection spring is connected to said docking plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each latch further comprises a transfer bar portion, docking plate portion, and a web portion, wherein the transfer bar portion and docking plate portion lie in offset, but parallel planes, and the web portion lies in a plane that is perpendicular to the planes of the transfer bar portion and docking plate portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer component is one of a CD- ROM drive, a hard drive, an AC adapter for both 110V and 220V, PCMCIA card, FAX /modems, and LAN adapters.

9. An overlay device for use with a computer mouse pad to provide tactile control of the computer's display monitor's cursor speed, direction and inputs, said overlay device comprising a thin flat base of substantially the same length and width as the computer's mouse pad and having a smooth bottom surface and an irregular top surface.

10. The overlay device of claim 9, wherein said top surface includes a raised concave finger control pad, and at least two raised buttons.

11. A computer, comprising:

(a) a housing having at least one module bay for receiving and connecting to an array of peripheral devices;

(b) a technology module removably attached to the housing; and (c) an expansion plate.

12. The computer of claim 11, further comprising a monitor removably attached to the housing.

13. The computer of claim 11, wherein the expansion plate further comprises at least one industry standard application card.

14. The computer of claim 11, wherein the technology module comprises:

(a) a CPU motherboard;

(b) a video board;

(c) an interface board;

(d) an input/output ("I/O") connector board, wherein the CPU motherboard, the video board, the interface board, and the I/O connector board are arranged in a multi-layered, stacked arrangement.

15. The computer of claim 14, further comprising a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is coupled to the technology module to passively cool a processor in the technology module.

16. The computer of claim 15, wherein the heat sink comprises:

(a) a finned portion; and

(b) a communications plate.

17. The computer of claim 11, wherein the peripheral devices comprise expansion modules.

18. The computer of claim 17, wherein each expansion module comprises: (a) an outer shell; (b) an expansion module housing;

(c) a user interface end; and

(d) an electrical interface end.

19. The computer of claim 18, wherein the outer shell comprises: (a) base portion, (b) a first side portion and a second side portion extending from the base portion; and

(c) a first and second lip extending from the first and second side portions respectively, to form a support structure for suspending the expansion module.

20. The computer of claim 19, wherein each lip portion has a rectangular shaped notch.

21. The computer of claim 20, wherein the notch of each lip portion of a outer shell is off-set from each other.

22. The computer of claim 21, wherein the off-set is approximately one and one- half ("1 1/2") inches.

23. The computer of claim 20, wherein each lip terminates approximately three- eighths ("3/8") of an inch in front of the electrical interface end where each lip forms a rounded shoulder.

24. The computer of claim 18, wherein each expansion module is standardized in terms of configuration, size, and electrical connection ports to fit within a module bay.

25. The computer of claim 24, wherein the housing comprises module bays of two sizes.

26. The computer of claim 18, wherein the electrical interface end comprises circuitry to facilitate communication between an inserted expansion module and the technology module.

27. The computer of claim 11, wherein the housing comprises:

(a) chassis;

(b) a removable monitor support; (c) expansion module docking plates; and

(d) a removable base plate.

28. The computer of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the housing is coated with an impact absorbing material.

29. The computer of claim 13, wherein said expansion plate further includes a docking interface connectors for electrically connecting said at least one industry standard application card to said input/output interface of said technology module.